UN chief condemns deadly attack on peacekeepers in Mali

New York (UNA-OIC) � United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the deadly assault on UN peacekeepers serving in northern Mali, calling on the political leaders in the country to ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

One blue helmet from Burkina Faso was killed in the attack, which took place on Saturday at a base in the city of Timbuktu housing camps from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and a French military operation known as Barkhane. Seven peacekeepers, seven French soldiers and two Malian civilians were injured.

The Secretary General calls on the Malian authorities as well as the signatory armed groups to the peace agreement to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this attack, so that they can be brought to justice as swiftly as possible, said a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson.

The UN chief stated that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He said these acts will not deter the UN Mission's determination to support the Malian people in their quest for peace and stability.

Also in the statement, the secretary general conveyed his condolences to the government of Burkina Faso and to the family of the fallen peacekeeper. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.